Here are some pieces I've been reading and thinking about this week. Enjoy. Scott Morizot shares a fascinating video about the difference between the Orthodox & Protestant view of salvation. Be sure to read the comments, too. Scott is great at dissecting/explaining the ideas.

Jennifer Fulwiler shares some thoughts from St. Francis de Sales about prayer and how to place yourself in the presence of God.

New research shows that bilingualism can help ward off Alzheimer's and dementia. Yet another good reason to teach your kids a second language!

Rachel Held Evans asks: have you been exposed to the myth that beauty is part of "biblical womanhood"? With all the pressures placed on Christian women, I found Rachel's insights especially myth-shattering.

Bound4Life, a prayer-based pro-life group which eschews vocal, angry protests and instead relies on silence and prayer, shared an interesting video that highlighted some of the recent debate on Mike Pence's amendment to defund Planned Parenthood.  (By the way, the House voted 240-185 to defund Planned Parenthood).

Yes, I am going to Relevant '11: a Christian blogging conference! Shocking, right? Here's why: I think it's hugely important for Christians of all persuasions to make an effort at crossing theological lines and demonstrating love to their brothers and sisters who perhaps practice their faith in different ways. The Christian community is larger than just conservative, homeschooling evangelicals or just Catholics or just _______(fill in the blank). I am making this decision in good faith, hoping I will be welcomed. My heart is open. Is yours? (Relevant tickets go on sale March 1st. I would love to meet some of you in person. Please consider attending?)